Rigid 9" Angle Grinder Opinions

[big a]

I need a new one, and don't want to spend new price! Been accused of being a tightwad more than once.
Been perusing pawnshops lately and found a Rigid in as new (looks to be unused) for $60. Probably buy it, but thought I'd ask opinions first. I have a Rigid cordless drill I have been very happy with, but that doesn't mean much.

Andy

 

[Anonymous-0]

Also check Craigslist.

 

[Butch(OH)]

Probably get trashed for this but a question you need to answer in your own mind is in reality how much are you going to use it? I always have a couple 4 grinders around that see 95% of the usage because they are lighter and handier to use, currently they are both Makitas. I also own a 7/9" Milwaulkee purchased new 10 years ago that will likely be fought over by my estate unless I run over it or the shop burns down because the reality is it sees very little usage. I would be just as well served by a cheaper unit. If your only going to own one grinder buy a good one otherwise the Ridged will likely serve you well no more than it wil be used.

 

[SweetFeet]

Husband uses his 4 inch angle grinder way more often than his big one. Same as you said... just more compact and lighter to work with.

 

[Dave Sherburne NY]

I agree with Butch I have an old 9" Craftsman hardly been used. Also have a 4" metabo with a slide switch and a milwaukee with a paddle switch.
Don't ever buy a slide switch if the cutoff wheel catches and stops turning it'll burn up before you get it turned off. Also had a 4" Porter Cable that lasted 14 years.

 

[rustyfarmall]

I bought a really nice 7" Makita at a farm auction. Think I paid maybe $20 for it. Used it one time and that was enough for me. Sold it on Ebay and went back to using my 4".

 

[RodinNS]

As an 'only' grinder.... No. I'd pass on that. As a heavy grinder ofr cutoff wheel work or heavy grinding... go for it. I've got a 4.5" MasterCraft, 5" DeWalt and 7" Hitachi. Of the smaller two I prefer the yellow one. For serious grinding... I put a heavy wheel on the 'tachi and get some work done.
I don't use the 7" much these days but it's always here.
The problem with a 7" or 9" grinder is that they are HEAVY for everyday work and the head and body are too large to get into a lot of spaces for intricate work... hence I keep a couple small ones for that.

Rod

 

[Spook]

I have a big "saxaphone" air grinder. I haven't used it in years. To use something like that, you really need a face shield + safety glasses, safety shoes, and some sort of chest protection. A wheel that big lets go, it can really hurt ya.

 

[Gene Davis (Ga.)]

A very dangerous oversized tool for most jobs. One ripped my hand open even with gloves on in 1967 when it kicked back on the piece I was grinding. These units need a shoulder harness and a safety switch arrangement. I haven't used it but about twice since then. keep a 4-1/2 one always now. Lighter, faster and safer to deal with if it grabs.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Find a name brand 5 or 6 inch grinder at least 10
amps. and it will do 95% of anything you need. A
7"/9" is only needed for really heavy grinding jobs
and will wear you out. A 4" will burn out in no
time. A 4 1/2" around 6 amps is good for lighter
grinding or in small spaces.

 

[36 Coupe]

Snow plow builder had a bunch of slide switch 4 in grinders.Fellow squatted down grinding , d ropped the grinder.It bounced off the floor and cur a groove in his cheek.Boss busted up the grinders and bought new ones with a paddle switch.Useful tools but dangerous to use.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I've got a big milwaukee that I got out of a dumpster 15 or so years ago.... Only time I used it was cutting cobblestones (a bunch of them) when we did our driveway 12 years ago... Have several 4" ones that get used.. So many because I never can find one when I need it and they cost 8 or 9 bucks with a store 3 miles away :roll:
Don't even really know where the big one is right now.......

 

[big a]

Pretty well have the 41/2" grinder area covered. 2 Milwaukee's and a Ryobi dedicated to a wire brush. I do enough metal work to often want something larger. Also, I was mistaken....what I want, and am looking at is a 7"...I'd agree 9" is too big for most stuff.
For the price...less than 1/2 of new, I think I'll snag onto this one.

 

[big a]

Well....change of plans! Went back today and, of course, it was gone! On the way home stopped at a garage sale and found 2, a Ridgid like I was looking at, and a like new Makita. Got both of them for $35!Figured for that price, I could put a cup brush on one and just leave it.

Sometimes things just have a way of working out, maybe even for the better!